DESPITE it only being in existence for four months, two fighters from Ongar Amateur Boxing Club had the distinction of being selected to represent Essex in a team match against a Hull select side, and they certainly didn't disappoint.

The event, at Basildon Sports Centre, saw 14-year-old bantamweight Jimmy Barker go about his business like a seasoned veteran against the undefeated Gary Figura-Drane.

Barker cautiously opened proceedings as the Hull fighter snapped out long jabs and after using some clever footwork to escape several two-fisted attacks the Essex man went on to deliver a series of well timed power-packed shots of his own as the first round came to a close.

The Ongar fighter opened the second with a fast two-fisted combination which rocked Figura-Drane back on his heels, before he managed to come back with some long-range punches.

In the third and final round Baker's superior technique and fitness began to tell as he went on to secure a majority decision from the judges.

In the next contest Ongar's welterweight Jason Dunn turned in a polished performance in dismantling William Richardson inside two rounds.

Dunn made his intentions clear from the outset as he commanded the centre of the ring by letting rip with fast jabs and combination punches that left his opponent looking uneasy.

In the second the Ongar man planted his feet with more assurance and unleashed sweeping hooks and uppercuts, before the ref stopped the fight in favour of the Essex man after he spotted blood coming from beneath a protective covering on Richardson's arm.

Ongar ABC head coach Mark Wilks said: "This club has only been in existence for some four months, but to produce such well balanced fighters shows the kind of talent the youngsters in this area have.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the club's two other coaches, Tony Riley and Alan Brush, for the time and effort they put in on a voluntary basis to help the lads."

June 14, 2002 10:30